New Deportation Policy Endorsed

Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ conference’s Committee on Migration, applauded the recent announcement by the Department of Homeland Security that prosecutorial discretion would be exercised on “low-priority” deportation cases. “The decision embodies the kind of common-sense, compassionate immigration policies that can serve to simultaneously enforce federal immigration law while respecting the dignity and vulnerabilities of the migrants in our midst,” Archbishop Gómez said in a letter on Sept. 29 to Secretary Janet Napolitano. Archbishop Gómez said those categories of immigrants who should receive stays of deportation and qualify for work authorization included members of families and children and individuals who were brought to the United States at a young age and who would benefit from the Dream Act. He also asked for protection for “clergy and religious” who serve in faith communities across the nation.